Leah smiled to herself as she began to unpack her suitcase. The school already seemed like such a great place. The people were nice, and the atmosphere uncomparably welcoming. She stopped unpacking and sat down on the bed, still grinning. She let herself fall onto her back, her hair spilling all around her head. Her eyes closed and a content sigh escaped her lips. A knock on the door startled her out of her reverie.

"Yes?" she called, and the door opened revealing Angel standing there with a few papers in his hands. He smiled awkwardly at her. She jumped up and held out her hand. "I'm Leah, the new teacher."

"I know." His sweet voice flowed over her, and she felt as though she was going to melt into a puddle on the floor. "I'm Angel," he said, grasping her hand tightly and giving it a small shake. "I, uh, think you dropped these." He handed the papers over to her. "They were right outside your door, and I thought..."

"Thank you," she said sweetly. "I hope we'll see each other soon!"

"I hope so too." They both blushed as he left the room. She shut the door behind him, leaned on it and slid down until she was sitting on the floor. A huge grin took up most of her face, and her blue eyes sparkled. She jumped to her feet and danced the whole way over to the bed where she flopped down and drew her knees up to her chest. She was still grinning.

- - - - - - -

Storm continued to pace around the director's office. It seemed like she spent hours and hours every day pacing. Her feet made soft padding noises on the hardwood floor. Why was Logan shutting everyone out? Why wouldn't he let her talk to him? Pad, pad, pad. Why did he spend all his time grieving over something he could never change? Why did he feel guilty? It wasn't his fault. Pad, pad, pad. God, how she missed him.

Her fingers ran through her hair as she sat down in Xavier's old chair. She stroked the arms lovingly as she thought of the professor, but soon her thoughts drifted back to Logan again, like they always did. It was so hard to be in love with a bipolar depressed mutant. It sucked all the energy and life out of her, worrying about him. She knew he was a lost cause; he was still too much in love with Jean to ever care for her. But she could still hope. And she could still try again. She nodded to herself and marched out of the room.

She arrived at Logan's door moments later. She took a deep breath and braced herself for his bitter rage.

"Logan?" she said softly.

"It's open," came the growl from inside. That was certainly unusual. He never usually let her in. She slowly twisted the doorknob and let herself in. He was facing away from her with his shirt off, his muscles tight across his back. His dark hair hung limply over his neck. She sucked in her breath but ventured farther in, closing the door behind her. The storm outside had turned into a slight drizzle. "It's been raining for a long time, Storm. Did you have anything to do with it?" She didn't answer at first, just closed her eyes.

"I don't mean to anymore. It just happens."

"Does that mean you've been feeling miserable?" She paused again, this time looking down at her feet.

"What do you think?" she replied quietly. When he didn't answer, she sighed. "Come back Logan. We need you. I need you." She bit her lower lip slightly, waiting for a response. He turned around slowly, and at the sight of the rest of him she sucked in her breath again. Seeing him now was nearly painful.

"You can't need me," he said, his eyes flaring. "All I bring is pain." He sat down on the bed, facing away from her again. The storm began to brew, not in a angry way, more frustrated. "Don't need me, Storm. If I'm not careful, you'll be next." His eyes closed with the pain the words brought him. She nearly cried out in pain. Her feet, unbidden, took her over to the bed, and she sat down next to him.

"It wasn't your fault, Logan!" she said forcefully, feeling her eyes begin to wet. He noticed, and knew that it took a lot to make Storm break down. He took her in his arms and she returned the embrace, just feeling grateful to have his strong arms around her. "I need you, Logan. And it takes a lot for me to admit to needing someone," she said, pulling back. She stood and crossed the room to the door.

"Storm?" he said quietly.

"Yes?"

"I'm scared."

"Me too."